Hearing loss
A perforation can reduce the efficiency with which sound is transmitted through the middle ear.
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Specialist Ear Care
Tympanic Perforation Specialist in London
Consultant-led assessment and treatment for perforated eardrums, hearing problems and chronic middle-ear conditions with Mr Max Whittaker, Consultant ENT Surgeon.
Many eardrum perforations heal naturally. Where a perforation persists, causes hearing difficulty or is associated with recurrent ear problems, specialist assessment can help determine whether observation, medical management or surgical repair may be appropriate.
Consultant ENT Surgeon Mr Max Whittaker
Specialist interest in otology, chronic ear disease, hearing loss and endoscopic ear surgery.
01 Specialist ear assessment
02 Eardrum repair
03 Endoscopic ear surgery
04 Hearing reconstruction
Understanding the condition
What is a tympanic membrane perforation?
A tympanic membrane perforation is an opening or hole in the eardrum.
It can develop following infection, trauma or previous ear surgery. Some people have few symptoms, while others experience hearing loss, recurrent discharge, tinnitus or discomfort.
Many perforations close without surgery. NHS guidance advises that a perforated eardrum will often heal by itself within around two months.
Persistent perforations may need specialist review, particularly if hearing remains affected, infections recur or the ear continues to discharge.
When specialist assessment may help
Symptoms associated with a perforated eardrum
Symptoms vary between patients and do not by themselves establish the diagnosis.
Ear discharge
Some people experience recurrent or persistent discharge, particularly when infection is present.
Recurrent infections
A persistent opening can make it easier for water and infection to affect the middle ear.
Tinnitus
Some patients notice ringing or other sounds, although tinnitus can have many different causes.
Ear discomfort
Discomfort may occur, particularly where infection or another active ear problem is present.
Few symptoms
Some perforations are found during examination even when symptoms are mild.
Specialist treatments
Ear surgery and treatment options
Treatment depends on the individual ear, the cause and size of the perforation, hearing, infection history and any associated middle-ear disease.
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Perforated eardrum
Explore treatment → 02 Eardrum Repair
Specialist assessment and surgical repair of a persistent tympanic membrane perforation.
Minimally invasive technique
Explore treatment → 03 Endoscopic Ear Surgery
An endoscope may allow selected ear conditions to be treated through the ear canal without a larger external approach.
Eardrum reconstruction
Explore treatment → 04 Myringoplasty & Tympanoplasty
Procedures used to reconstruct the eardrum, with wider middle-ear reconstruction when clinically required.
Hearing reconstruction
Explore treatment → 05 Ossiculoplasty
Reconstruction of the middle-ear hearing bones where damage or disease contributes to conductive hearing loss.
Chronic ear disease
Explore treatment → 06 Mastoid Surgery
Surgery used in selected cases of cholesteatoma and chronic ear disease where disease control is the priority.
Specialist otology
View services → View All Services
Explore consultation, investigation, treatment and surgical options available through the specialist ear practice.
Consultant ENT Surgeon Mr Max Whittaker GMC 6077271
Your specialist
Specialist expertise in otology and ear surgery
Mr Max Whittaker is a Consultant ENT Surgeon with a specialist interest in otology, chronic ear disease, hearing loss and minimally invasive endoscopic ear surgery.
He completed advanced training in Otology and Skull Base Surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’, alongside international observerships at the House Institute in California and Toronto General Hospital focused on endoscopic ear surgery.
Mr Whittaker also holds an MSc with Distinction in Audiovestibular Medicine from UCL and was appointed a Consultant ENT Surgeon at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in 2018.
Specialty Otology & ENT
GMC 6077271
Qualification FRCS (ORL-HNS)
NHS role Clinical Lead in Otolaryngology
Your consultation journey
From assessment to an individual treatment plan
Not every perforated eardrum requires surgery. The pathway begins by understanding the condition of your ear and what treatment, if any, is appropriate.
Request
Book your consultation
Use the secure booking system to request a private appointment at your preferred clinic.
Request consultation → Assessment
Examine the ear
Your symptoms, history, eardrum and middle ear can be assessed, with hearing investigations where clinically appropriate.
Discussion
Understand the options
Observation, medical management or surgical repair can be discussed according to the findings and your circumstances.
Plan
Agree the next step
If treatment is appropriate, the proposed approach, expected recovery and follow-up can be discussed with you individually.
Patient information
Understand your ear before making treatment decisions
Our patient information library explains common questions about perforated eardrums, myringoplasty, recovery and everyday issues such as flying.
Explore Patient Information Private clinic locations
Consultations across London
Private consultations are available at several established hospital locations. Appointment availability is confirmed by the clinic team.
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East London
London
E1 4NL
The London Independent Hospital
1 Beaumont SquareLondon
E1 4NL
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Woodford Green
Woodford Green
IG4 5PZ
Spire London East
Roding Lane SouthWoodford Green
IG4 5PZ
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Independent patient feedback
Read independently published patient reviews
Patient feedback can provide useful context about communication, consultation and the overall care experience, although individual reviews cannot predict another patient’s clinical outcome.
View Patient ReviewsReview information links to independent healthcare platforms rather than relying only on testimonials reproduced by the clinic.
Consultant credentials can also be checked through established healthcare directories and the GMC.
Frequently asked questions
Perforated eardrum questions
General answers to common patient questions. An individual consultation is needed for advice about your own ear.
Yes. Many perforated eardrums heal without surgery. NHS guidance states that they often heal within around two months. Persistent perforations may require further assessment.
Surgical repair may be considered when a perforation remains open, particularly where it is associated with hearing loss, recurrent infection or ongoing discharge. Suitability depends on individual assessment.
Myringoplasty generally refers to repair of the eardrum itself. Tympanoplasty can include wider reconstruction of the eardrum and middle ear where additional disease or damage is present.
Keeping water out of a perforated ear is commonly advised because water entering the middle ear can contribute to infection. Follow any specific instructions given by your clinician.
NHS guidance states that flying is generally safe with an existing perforated eardrum. Different advice applies after eardrum repair surgery, when you should wait until your surgical team says it is safe to fly.
Use the secure Book Consultation page to submit an appointment request. The clinic team will then contact you to confirm the appointment.
Specialist ear assessment
Concerned about a perforated eardrum?
Request a private consultation with Mr Max Whittaker for an individual assessment of your ear, hearing and treatment options.